Three Twins Topics for the Second Half

[DocBauer]

Doing some thinking, reflecting and debating. These are three key points for the second half of the season, IMHO.

 

1] Don't get wrapped up in "must make moves". I am absolutely not saying to throw in the towel or dismiss this season thus far, or put a kabosh on what remains of it. And I fully understand the idea of supporting your team and supporting a team and season that has post season possibilities. But this team was not supposed to contend. A few months ago, there was great debate whether or not this team could even finish .500. (I predicted .500 and possibly a couple games above). There is so very much to like about this team, mostly young in regard to position players, with a few nice arms flashing. But don't get swept up in any sort of all in mentality. Unless its a relatively low prospect to trade away, don't go for any rental players. Likewise, unless a big prospect trade for a high quality, controllable SP is truly available for now and the future, don't overspend. Don't get caught up in the moment.

 

Imagine trading away Gordon and at least one of Romero and Gonsalves, if not both. Santana is done in a year or two, Dozier is potentially gone after 2018, as is Mauer. So now we need a 1B, another SP, and quite possibly another MI. I love Polanco and his potential and fully believe the bat will be OK. I really like Escobar as a quality almost full time starter/role player, and Adrianza has, frankly, been better than expected and may have been a find. Vielma still offers some potential. But all other MI depth is in the low minors at this point, and we may be having to look to another trade, or FA, to find additional depth and options. And 1B is still open now, at that point.

 

How much better do our trade options look in the off season when we now have a full season of development to truly and more fully evaluate not only the ML roster, but the milb talent to make a move? Or make a move, or two or three, via the trade and FA route, complete with the full off season to tweak the roster in a more full capacity.

 

2] Which brings up point #2. Get serious and aggressive with promotions. The FO and manager/coaching/instructor information is far greater than anything we know. But there is no-one in AAA to block Romero, Gonsalves or Jorge from a promotion. They have proven themselves at AA, even dominated. It's time for the next challenge to develop them, and better prepare them for possible roles at some point in 2018, (if not traded). Of course, this creates a natural trickle down effect to AA and below, but there are prospects there that are seemingly ready for the next challenge as well.

 

3] Keep rebuilding the bullpen from within. The team hasn't been shy about making various bullpen moves to offer a few auditions, and to help keep the pen fresh after bad stretches of use/overuse. But it needs to continue and go the next step. One way to offset the lack of rotational depth/dominance, is by building the strongest bullpen you can. I get that Breslow and Belisle are really good guys who may have influence in the clubhouse. But Breslow has been nothing more than a mop up arm, and despite some nice appearances, Belisle has simply been a trash can fire far too often to offset those good games. And neither is part of the future of this team.

 

The injuries to Burdi, Jay and Chargois have been disappointing, to be sure. But Hildenberger has shown something and needs opportunity. So does Busentiz. Reed and Curtiss are having outstanding season's and need their shot. Bard is ready for AAA. Turley stunk up the joint as a starter, but there is at least some potential as a reliever. I'd much rather see him tried as a third lefty than Breslow.

 

You have Kintzler, Duffey and Rogers to form a base. Bothers is at least serviceable, and was last season as well. You're stuck with Hughes, and can only hope for healing and better results, as a reliever or starter again. Pressly has an arm and may be worth keeping around. Maybe he's overthrowing? But there is both room and opportunity here. Do something productive and pro active with it.

 

My 2 or 3 cents worth. Go ahead and let me have it.

[Doomtints]

I don't agree 100% with your finer details, but this is a good strategy for the Twins to build off of.

[crapforks]

I would like Falvey and/or Levine to come out and flatly say not to expect much movement. This is their first full year with the system. Contending is great this season. The team has been really fun to watch. No need to sour the experience by mortgaging the future.

[Thrylos]

I think that if the Twins find themselves on August 1 (or even worse, September 1)  with Santana, Dozier, Kintzler, Santiago, Belisle and Breslow it will be a mistake.